Spotlight on Alessandro Corbelli

It’s no wonder that Opera News dubbed Alessandro Corbelli "one of the great comic baritones of the late 20th century.” Able to shift between tongue-twisting patter and mellifluous bel canto singing with ease, his effortless vocal virtuosity and impeccable comedic timing have captivated audiences for decades. Known for his uproarious portrayals of some of opera’s most entertaining characters, he will delight Lyric audiences with two of his most popular roles in the 2023/24 Season — Sulpice in Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment and Don Magnifico in Rossini's Cinderella.

Born in Turin, Italy on December 9, 1952, Alessandro Corbelli began studying piano and singing in his hometown at an early age and later pursued formal vocal training at the prestigious Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Turin. Winning several vocal competitions, he gained valuable experience and critical acclaim performing in opera houses across Italy and Europe.

Corbelli has been a favorite at Lyric Opera of Chicago since his debut as Marcello in La bohème (1986/87). To the delight of critics and audiences alike, he returned to Chicago in multiple roles over the following decades. Most recently he was seen as Dulcamara in The Elixir of Love (2009/10), Doctor Bartolo in The Barber of Seville (2013/14 and 2019/20), and Don Magnifico in Cinderella (2005/06 and 2015/16). Throughout his illustrious career, he has graced the stages of countless major opera houses around the world, including La Scala, the Royal Opera House, and the Metropolitan Opera.

Chief among Alessandro Corbelli’s many talents is his unmatched ability to perform patter songs. Patter — a fast-paced way of singing where each note corresponds to a single syllable  — demands exceptional dexterity. Corbelli's ability to deliver rapid-fire lines with crystal-clear enunciation leaves audiences astounded by his linguistic agility. Opening Lyric’s 2019/20 Season, Corbelli gained rave reviews for his performance as Doctor Bartolo in The Barber of Seville.

From the breakneck speed of his patter songs to the sweeping bel canto melodies, Alessandro Corbelli is in a league all his own. Able to integrate humor and musicality into everything he does, you won’t want to miss your chance to see the acclaimed baritone in Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment and Rossini’s Cinderella at Lyric.